Young volunteers support turtle conservation
The North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program (Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions) supports schools and Aboriginal organisations to connect young people to conservation and Country during the turtle monitoring season in the Pilbara.
On Thevenard Island, off the coast of Onslow, Year 11s from the Mount Lawley Senior High School Bush Rangers Cadets unit, Year 7 and 8s from Onslow School and families from the Waalitj Foundation in Onslow joined DBCA staff for several days throughout November and December.
On Delambre Island, off the coast of Karratha, high-school students from Karratha’s Clontarf Foundation and STARs Foundation camped on the island with staff and volunteers in early December.
The young people worked alongside scientists and volunteers to collect monitoring data, including identifying and measuring turtles, conducting nest excavations and track counts of the endemic flatback turtle. They also received lessons about flatback turtle biology, ecology and conservation research, and shared their stories and experiences of turtles with the North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program team.
DBCA reports that the scientists were extremely impressed with the hard-working and positive attitudes of all the young people involved in the experiences and found it inspiring to share their work and passion with the next generation of conservationists.
To inquire about future volunteering opportunities, contact Clodagh at: clodagh.guildea@dbca.wa.gov.au
